Gabriel's Obsession

The Unraveling Storm

Amelia's POV

I awoke, blinking as my gaze fell upon the empty space beside me in the bed. An initial jolt of panic coursed through me—where had he gone? My body tensed, and I cast aside the blanket that had cocooned me, my awareness heightened by the realization that I was clad only in my nightdress. A surge of relief washed over me as my eyes tracked his figure emerging from the closet, donned in a sleek navy blue suit. His attention was singularly fixed on tying his tie.

"Where are you headed?" I inquired, my voice a whisper.

"Ah, my angel, you're awake," he acknowledged, pausing in his task to meet my gaze. "I have an incredibly urgent meeting today—a matter of great importance that cannot be postponed," he explained, his words laden with earnestness, though they didn't assuage the disappointment that crept in.

He approached me, his fingers tenderly stroking my cheeks. "I'm truly sorry, my love. I had hoped to spend the day with you, but this situation demands my immediate attention. I'll strive to return as early as possible," he reassured me, a mixture of regret and understanding in his eyes. I comprehended the weight of his responsibilities, yet the nascent sadness remained. We had just begun our married life, and my anticipation for our first day together as a wedded couple had been undeniable.

"Alright," I murmured, a subdued nod accompanying my acceptance.

"Good girl," he affirmed, his lips brushing against my forehead in a tender peck. This small, affectionate gesture stirred a fluttering sensation within me, as if a delicate dance of butterflies was enlivening the depths of my belly.

"Don't fret, baby. You won't be alone. Angelica is at home. She'll be your companion throughout the day until I return, and then I'll have you all to myself," he playfully teased, his words laced with a charm that coaxed a giggle from me.

"But, Gabriel, what about mom and" I began, a hint of concern coloring my words, only to be interrupted by his confident assertion, "Don't you worry about that. I'll manage everything on that front." I nodded, a silent affirmation that conveyed both trust and a willingness to relinquish my concerns.

As he was on the verge of departing, I seized his hand, halting him in his tracks. I pressed myself into his embrace, my face buried in the comfort of his chest.

"I'll miss you," I murmured, my voice a tender whisper, tinged with the depth of my emotions.

He returned the embrace, his arms enveloping me in warmth, his lips grazing my head as he replied, "I'll miss you too."

"Rest for a bit longer. It's still early. You need not venture downstairs for breakfast. I'll instruct a maid to deliver your meal here later," he explained, a touch of concern in his gaze.

Perplexed, I questioned, "But why?"

"I'm sincere in not wanting anyone to trouble you," he affirmed, his sincerity evident in his tone. His words pointed towards the apprehension he held about his parents, a sentiment I was familiar with. Their lack of acceptance had been a challenge, but I yearned to make inroads and prove my worth as their daughter-in-law. I was determined to bridge the gap and cultivate a connection.

However, Gabriel's concern for my well-being touched me deeply. "No! I'll join them for breakfast downstairs. I want to give it a shot, Gabriel. I need to adapt to this new way of life," I stated resolutely, eager to embrace this challenge head-on.

"Are you absolutely certain? They can be quite formidable. I've known them all my life, and they won't make it easy," he cautioned, a touch of uncertainty evident in his expression.

"I'm a hundred percent sure," I affirmed, my determination unwavering, punctuated by a light-hearted giggle.

"Then it's settled, whatever my baby says," he chuckled, his attempt at a kiss thwarted by my playful gesture.